Distressing

'At that time, that was it,' says Pam. 'No further tests were done, explanations given, or advice or support offered.

'I think the general consensus was that, "When you get old, you get forgetful" – end of.'

Sadie eventually moved to sheltered accommodation in Haxby, North Yorkshire, with her husband. However, he had mobility problems and Pam was living an hour away in the town of Beverley while working full time.

'Most upsetting was Mum's lack of awareness in the bathroom. One incident left us both very distressed as she was so bewildered and worried,' says Pam.

After Sadie stopped eating she was taken to hospital, where the care was lacking.

'I caught staff trying to force-feed her by holding her in a headlock,' says Pam. 'It was a very, very hard time for us all.'